Skin adjusting makeup is a trend I thought I left in 2005, but like all things fashion and beauty it’s making a reappearance — namely in the category of blush. Its a concept that makes sense — the original makeup artist anecdote was that the most natural shade of blush for you was the hue your cheeks turned when pinched — so why wouldn’t I want a customised shade that’s going to develop according to my skin tone?

But theory and practice are two very different things, which is why I’ve tested three market-leading formulas right here. Find some thoughts (and photographic evindence!) below.

ESPRESSOH Glassy Blush By The Glass, $40. shop now

Espressoh is a new Italian beauty brand that recently launched into Sephora, and the Glassy Blush in particular is causing a stir (Julia Fox even used it in one of her recent makeup tutorials). While it looks like a clear gel highlighter, it develops on the skin to show off a subtle rosy flush. Personally I love it because it combines natural-looking colour with a glassy finish — the resulting finish is glossy, healthy and super youthful. I am 100% converted.

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Youthforia BYO Blush Colour Changing Blush Oil, $36. SHOP NOW

Youthforia is another newer beauty brand that’s made a name for itself through makeup so clean, you can sleep in it — not something I would ever do, but a concept that appeals to me regardless. The BYO Blush is an oil-based formula that’s made up mostly of plant ingredients, and can either be used directly on the skin or mixed into tints and highlighters for a custom finish.

This is also amazing. I find it more pigmented than the Espressoh, but less dewy, so dare I say it looks like more of a natural flush. Bonus points for all the nourishing plant ingredients, too.

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Dior backstage rosy glow blush, $67. shop now

While it is visually very pink, this powder formula from Dior supposedly reacts with skin moisture content to deliver the ultimate rosy hue for your complexion. It popped off on TikTok a while ago when Kylie Jenner proclaimed she loved it, and has been almost always sold out ever since.

Fortunately I am the proud owner, and think it’s the perfect powder for any time you want to feel like a lady. It is quite rich, so a light dusting goes a long way. And while I am a cream/liquid/balm girl at heart, I just cannot deny the beauty of a quality powder blusher.

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